Discernment: Why is it Important

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Why is discernment important?

The process of making a decision about your life with the help of the Holy Spirit is called "discernment." It is the process of discovering God's will for you. “Ultimately, our vocation consists in God calling us to consummate loving union with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit for all eternity.”

As you begin, remember that both you and God ultimately desire the same thing - your happiness. You want to make a decision about your life that will bring you happiness.

Therefore, you and God are not working at cross-purposes, but for the same goal. Discernment is a gift from God, assisting you in the ability to “come to know, identify or recognize one thing as distinct from something else.”

Discernment begins with the ability to ask without fear, “Lord, how can I best serve you?” Only after you are willing to ask this question can true discernment begin.

Some of the discernment programs that are offered through the Office of Priestly Vocations:

Discernment Weekends

For men who are seniors in high school to 55 years of age older. There are three Discernment Weekends each year and they all take place at Sacred Heart Major Seminary. During a Discernment Weekend you will be given an opportunity to worship with the seminary community, meet the seminarians and faculty, attend a seminary class, meet other men considering the priesthood, learn how to better discern a priestly calling, and spend time alone in prayer.

Download our Discernment Weekend Brochure - PDF

Discernment Overnights

For young men who are 14-17 years of age. A Discernment Overnight is similar to a Discernment Weekend but is structured specifically for High School students. These events will give a young man the opportunity to interact with seminarians, receive direction about how to best discern a priestly vocation, learn more about the seminary, and spend time in prayer and reflection. We have two Overnights each year and they are also hosted at Sacred Heart Major Seminary.

Download our Discernment Overnight Brochure - PDF

There are no fees or obligations to come to a Discernment Weekend or a Discernment Overnight. Attending a weekend or overnight is certainly not a commitment to enter the seminary. But it is an excellent opportunity to take an honest look at the possibilities seminary life may hold for you.

Day of Discernment with Archbishop Vigneron.

Each year the Archbishop spends an afternoon with men from the Archdiocese of Detroit who would like to learn more about how does one discern a priestly vocation from the Lord. The Archbishop shares his unique insight into discernment and how he responded to the Lord’s invitation, “Come, follow me!” It is not every day you get to spend six hours with an Archbishop!